Port replicating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A docking assembly including a port replicating apparatus is disclosed. The docking assembly includes a port replicating apparatus including (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least one interface for connecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheral devices. A base is also included in the docking assembly. It is capable of mechanically coupling to at least the first terminal end of the housing of the port replicating apparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing is vertically oriented.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application No.60/824,039, filed on Aug. 30, 2006, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of port replicating apparatuses exist. A “port replicator” is adevice containing common PC ports, such as serial and parallel ports. Acable can be used to mechanically and electrically couple a portreplicator to a notebook computer. It allows one to easily attach aportable computer to standard, non-portable devices or peripheraldevices such as printers and monitors. For example, if one uses anotebook computer both at home and at work, one could set up both workareas with corresponding port replicators. Desired peripheral devicessuch as printers and monitors may be connected to the port replicators.Then, one would just plug in the notebook computer into a portreplicator at either location so that one is able to work withperipheral devices at either work or at home using the notebookcomputer. Most notebook computer manufacturers offer port replicators asan additional options.

A port replicator is similar to a “docking station”. A docking stationis another type of port replicating apparatus. Compared to a typicalport replicator, a docking station provides additional slots or portsfor adding expansion boards and storage devices, and typically providespower to a laptop computer.

Although existing port replicating apparatuses are satisfactory, anumber of improvements could be made. For example, existing portreplicating apparatuses are generally used in only one orientation(i.e., a horizontal orientation). It would be desirable to provide for aport replicating apparatus that can be used in different orientations sothat it can be configured as desired by the end user.

Also, existing port replicating apparatuses could also be configured sothat a host portable electronic device can optimally work with differentperipheral devices. For example, different peripheral devices mayrequire different data transfer speeds to operate in an optimal manner.It would be desirable to have a port replicating apparatus that uses afast data transfer interface and can allow different peripheral devicesto operate in an optimal manner.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems,individually and collectively.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to docking assemblies, portreplicating apparatuses, as well as systems and methods for using thedocking assemblies and port replicating apparatuses.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a docking assemblycomprising a port replicating apparatus and a base. The port replicatingapparatus comprises (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by afirst terminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least oneinterface in the housing for connecting to a portable electronic device,and (iii) a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to aplurality of peripheral devices. The base is capable of mechanicallycoupling to at least the first terminal end of the housing of the portreplicating apparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing isvertically oriented.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a port replicatingapparatus. The port replicating apparatus comprises an interface, wherethe interface is adapted for use with a switching, serial busarchitecture, and a plurality of connectors for connecting to aplurality of peripheral devices. The plurality of connectors include afirst universal serial bus port electrically coupled to the interfacevia a universal serial bus hub, and a second universal serial bus portseparately coupled to the interface without an intervening universalserial bus hub.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a port replicatingapparatus comprising a housing having a major dimension defined by afirst terminal end and a second terminal end. At least one interface isin the housing for connecting to a portable electronic device. Aplurality of connectors are in the housing for connecting to a pluralityof peripheral devices, where at least one of the peripheral devicescomprises a display device. At least one input element is on the housingof the port replicating apparatus, wherein the at least one inputelement controls the operation of the display device.

Other embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methodsusing the above-described port replicating apparatuses and dockingassemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a port replicating apparatus in ahorizontal position.

FIG. 2( a) shows a docking assembly with a port replicating apparatus ina vertical position on a base.

FIG. 2( b) shows a port replicating apparatus assembled on a base toform a docking assembly.

FIG. 3 shows a port replicating apparatus attached to a platform adaptedto hold a computer apparatus.

FIG. 4( a) shows a side view of the port replicating apparatus as it isattached to a portion of a platform.

FIG. 4( b) shows bottom perspective view of the port replicatingapparatus as it is being attached to a portion of a platform.

FIG. 4( c) shows a coupling mechanism used to attach a port replicatingapparatus with a portion of a platform.

FIGS. 5( a)-5(d) show perspective views of a main portion of a portreplicating apparatus and a removable foot as it is removed from a bodyand attached thereto.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a main portion of a port replicatingapparatus is it is propped up by the removable foot shown in FIGS. 5(a)-5(d).

FIG. 7( a) shows a side view of a docking assembly. Wires are showncoming from a back end of the port replicating apparatus.

FIG. 7( b) shows a side perspective view of a docking assembly.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the docking assembly.

FIGS. 9( a)-9(b) respectively show front and rear views of a mainportion of a port replicating apparatus.

FIG. 10( a) is a high level block diagram showing a system according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10( b) is a block diagram of some components of the portreplicating apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of some components of another portreplicating apparatus embodiment. The port replicating apparatusembodiment includes at least one input element which allows one tocontrol the operation of a display device.

FIG. 12( a) shows a portion of a port replicating apparatus and inputelements that allow a user to control the operation of a display device.

FIG. 12( b) shows a portion of a port replicating apparatus and a singleinput element that allows a user to put a display device in two or moremodes of operation.

FIGS. 13( a)-13(c) show images that can be displayed on a computerscreen showing the operational mode of an external display.

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of display screens corresponding tooperational modes after a button is pressed.

In the Figures, like numerals designate like elements, and thedescriptions of like elements may not be repeated in some instances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a docking assembly. Thedocking assembly comprises a port replicating apparatus comprising (i) ahousing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and asecond terminal end, (ii) at least one interface in the housing forconnecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) a plurality ofconnectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheraldevices. A base is also included in the docking assembly and it iscapable of mechanically coupling to at least the first terminal end ofthe housing of the port replicating apparatus, such that the majordimension of the housing is vertically oriented. The housing maycomprise any suitable combination of separable structures that maywholly or partially enclose electronic components in the portreplicating apparatus.

As noted above, a “port replicating apparatus” may include dockingstations, port replicators, and similar apparatuses that allow a hostportable electronic device to detachably and operatively couple to aplurality of peripheral electronic devices. The port replicatingapparatuses according to embodiments of the invention may expand thenumber of input/output (I/O) connectors for any suitable portableelectronic devices and/or peripheral devices. Examples of host portableelectronic devices include laptop computers, MP3 players, etc. Examplesof peripheral devices that can supplement or interact with a hostportable electronic device include mass storage devices such as harddisk drives, VGA monitors, LCD displays, computer mice, flash memorydrives, etc.

FIG. 1( a) shows a perspective view of a port replicating apparatus 102according an embodiment of the invention. The port replicating apparatus102 is shown as being horizontally oriented and has a number of cables106 extending from a rear portion of the port replicating apparatus 102.

FIG. 1( b) shows a docking assembly 100 including the port replicatingapparatus 102 shown in FIG. 1( a). Compared to FIG. 1( a), the portreplicating apparatus 102 in FIG. 1( b) is vertically oriented, and hasa first terminal end 102(a)-1 proximate to and coupled to a base 104 anda second terminal end 102(a)-2 distal to and extending away from thebase 104.

As shown, the port replicating apparatus 102 has a length L, a width W,and a thickness T. Exemplary dimensions for the length, width, andthickness may be as follows: L may be less than about 400 mm (e.g.,about 288 mm or less), W may be less than about 200 mm (e.g., about 86mm or less), and T may be less than about 200 mm (e.g., about 86 mm orless). Because the length L is greater than the width W and thickness T,the length L may constitute a major dimension. When the port replicatingapparatus 102 is vertically oriented, the major dimension is vertical.When the port replicating apparatus 102 is horizontally oriented, themajor dimension L is horizontal.

As shown, the base 104 supports the port replicating apparatus 102 andis horizontally oriented. As shown in FIG. 1( b), the orientation of thebase 104 is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the portreplicating apparatus 102.

The base 104 may be separable or integral with the port replicatingapparatus 102, and the base 104 may or may not be cooperativelystructured with the first terminal end 102(a)-1 of the port replicatingapparatus 102. Preferably, the base 104 and the first terminal end102(a)-1 of the port replicating apparatus 102 have at least one of amale and/or a female connection so that the base 104 and the firstterminal end 102(a)-1 of the port replicating apparatus 102 aredetachable.

FIG. 2( a) shows the parts which may form a port replicating apparatus102. As shown, the port replicating apparatus 102 may include a mainportion 102(a) and an optional rear cover 102(b) which fits over therear face of the main portion 102(a), and is detachable from the mainportion 102(a). As will be described in further detail below, the cover102(b) can cover wires extending from the rear face of the main portion102(a) of the port replicating apparatus 102.

As noted above, the cover 102(b) is optional and may form part of theport replicating apparatus 102. Other port replicating apparatusembodiments need not include the cover 102(b), but could simply consistof the main portion 102(a). For example, the main portion 102(a) may bea port replicating apparatus in other embodiments of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 2( a), at least the main portion 102(a) of the portreplicating apparatus 102 can mechanically engage the base 104. Apreferred engagement mechanism is shown in FIG. 2( b). As shown in FIG.2( b), the base 104 may have a physical connector such as a rail104(a)-1, which slidably engages another physical connector such as acooperatively structured groove at a first terminal end 102(a)-1 of themain portion 102(a) of the port replicating apparatus 102. In thisexample, the engagement mechanism may be referred to as a slidingdovetail attachment mechanism. Other engagement mechanisms could be usedin other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a platform system according to an embodiment of theinvention. Other details regarding the platform 110 can be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/417,947 filed on May 3, 2006, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Theplatform 110 can support a host portable electronic device such as alaptop computer.

As shown, the platform system includes a platform 110 configured to holdat least the main portion 102(a) of a port replicating apparatus. Forthis purpose, the platform 110 may include an adjustable stand, and mayinclude a detachable or integral rear well 110(a) for holding at leastthe main portion 102(a) of the port replicating apparatus 102 in ahorizontal position. In this example, the well 110(a) is U-shaped, butit could have other shapes in other embodiments of the invention. Themain portion 102(a) is preferably positioned at the rear of the platform110 so that it is out of the way.

FIG. 4( a) shows a side view of another platform system according toanother embodiment of the invention. In this example, only a portion 112of a platform is shown. In this example, the main portion 102(a) of aport replicating apparatus has a major face, and is attached to theportion 112 of the platform via a mechanical connection at the majorface. Thus, in this embodiment, a U-shaped well is not needed to holdthe main portion 102(a) behind the platform.

FIG. 4( b) shows a bottom perspective view of the platform system shownin FIG. 4( a). FIG. 4( b) shows part of an engagement mechanism 112(b)including a locking latch 112(a). As shown in FIG. 4( c), the engagementmechanism 112(b) may interface with sliding rails 102(a)-4 at a top ormajor surface of the main portion 102(a) of the port replicatingapparatus 102. The engagement mechanism 112(b) may also includecooperatively structured sliding rails that interface with the slidingrails 102(a)-4 on the main portion 102(a) of the port replicatingapparatus 102 so that the main portion 102(a) is secured to the rear ofthe platform.

FIGS. 5( a)-5(d) show another aspect of the main portion 102(a) of theport replicating apparatus 102(a). As shown in FIG. 5( a), a removablefoot 4 may be attached a surface 98 of the main portion 102(a) of theport replicating apparatus 102 and may lie flat against the surface 98in a first position. In FIG. 5( b), the foot 4 is separated from thesurface 98. As shown in FIG. 5( c), the foot 4 is rotated 90 degrees,and is inserted in a slot in the surface 98. The foot 4 is thereaftersubstantially perpendicular to the surface 98.

As shown in FIG. 6, the assembled apparatus shown in FIG. 5( d) may beflipped over and placed on a flat surface 98 such as a desk. Theremovable foot 4 may prop up a lateral end of the main portion 102(a)such that the upper surface 96 and the lower surface 97 of the mainportion 102(a) form angles with the flat surface 98. The angles may beabout 10 degrees or less in some embodiments. This advantageously allowsa portable laptop computer (not shown) that lies on the upper surface 96to be flush against it. The laptop computer would be oriented at aslight angle with respect to surface 98.

FIGS. 1-6 show that the port replicating apparatus 102 and/or the mainportion 102(a) of the port replicating apparatus 102 may beadvantageously positioned in a number of different configurationsaccording to the desire of the end user. As shown in these Figures, theport replicating apparatus 102 (or the main portion 102(a) of the portreplicating apparatus 102) may be positioned substantially verticallyusing a base, or may be positioned horizontally on its own. It may bedetachably coupled to a platform, or may be used on a flat surface suchas a desk without a platform. When it is in a horizontal position on aflat surface such as a desk, it may also be positioned in an inclinedposition and may support a host portable electronic device. Thus,embodiments of the invention are more versatile than conventional portreplicating apparatuses.

FIG. 7( a) shows the port replicating apparatus 102 in a verticallyoriented position on the base 104. Wires 106 attached to the electricalconnectors (e.g., ports) at a rear face of the main portion 102(a) ofthe port replicating apparatus 102 extend through an opening 103 in thecover 102(b). As shown in FIG. 7( b), the wires 106 are neatly bundledtogether as the exit the opening 103. The cover 102(b) organizes thewires 106 and provides the docking assembly with a neat appearance and afavorable wire management system. The cover 102(b) also helps to coverthe electrical connectors at the rear of the port replicating apparatus102(a).

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of some components of the port replicatingapparatus. FIG. 8 shows a first housing portion 1 and a second housingportion 2, which may enclose various other components. A front panel 3may be at a front face of the port replicating apparatus, and thepreviously described flip foot 4 and another rubber foot 5 may beproximate to the second housing portion 2. A platform adapter 6 may alsobe proximate to the second housing portion. The platform adapter may beused to attach the port replicating apparatus to a platform and it mayinclude the sliding rails 102(a)-4 shown in FIG. 4( b).

A removable cosmetic plug 7 may be at the first terminal end of the mainportion of the port replicating apparatus, and a back plate 8 made ofstamped steel or the like may be a rear of the main portion of the portreplicating apparatus.

The base may include various components including a base top 9, baserubber 10, and a base ballast 11. These components may be respectivelymade of ABS plastic, molded rubber, and stamped steel in someembodiments.

The previously described cover 102(b) is also shown in FIG. 8, as wellas a back panel 13. A PCB (printed circuit board) assembly 14 withvarious electrical components would lie between the first and secondhousing portions 1, 2. The housing may include the first and secondhousing portions 1, 2, as well as any other structures forming anenclosure.

FIG. 9( a) shows a front face of the main portion of the portreplicating apparatus. As shown, there are two USB (universal serialbus) ports 400(a), 400(b) at the front face of the main portion of theport replicating apparatus. This is just an example of possibleconfigurations.

FIG. 9( b) shows a rear face of the main portion of the port replicatingapparatus. As shown, a number of input and connectors would be presentat a rear face of the main portion of the port replicating apparatus.The input and connectors can include the following ports: PC slot 402,an Ethernet port 404, a printer port 406, a PCI Express cable port 408,an auxiliary input/connector 410, an audio connector (and microphoneconnector) 411, stacked USB ports 412, and a power port 414. Of course,in other embodiments of the invention, more or less input and/orconnectors could be used. As shown, the different ports are examples ofdifferent connectors and they may have different physical and/orelectrical configurations.

FIG. 10( a) shows a block diagram of a system according to an embodimentof the invention. The system includes a connection card 500 and a cableport 520 in the connection card 500. The connection card 500 may connectto a connector on a portable electronic device such as a laptopcomputer. Preferably, the connection card 500 is a PCMCIA ExpressCard.The cable port 520 may be configured to receive one end of a cable 510or some other type of data transfer cable.

The PCI Express standard provides a scalable, high speed, serial I/O busthat maintains backward compatibility with PCI applications and drivers.A PCI Express architecture has a topology which contains a host bridgeand several endpoints (the I/O devices). Compared to the older PCI(peripheral components interface) standard, the PCI Express architecturehas multiple point-to-point connections and introduces a new element,the switch, into the I/O system topology. The switch replaces themulti-drop parallel bus PCI technology and is used to provide fan-outfor the I/O bus. A switch may provide peer-to-peer communication betweendifferent endpoints and this traffic, if it does not involvecache-coherent memory transfers, need not be forwarded to the hostbridge. The switch can be a separate logical element, or it could beintegrated into a host bridge component. A PCI Express interface or PCIconnector may thus be adapted for use with a switching, serial busarchitecture. See “Creating a Third Generation I/O Interconnect” by AjayBhatt (www.express-lane.org).

PCI Express cards have also been developed and are used in conjunctionwith PCI Express interfaces. Current PCI standard and low-profile cardsare used in a variety of platforms, including servers, workstations, anddesktops. PCI Express also defines standard and low-profile cards thatcan replace or coexist with legacy PCI cards. These cards have the samedimensions as PCI cards and are equipped with a rear bracket toaccommodate external cable connections. The differences between the PCIand PCI Express cards lie in their I/O connectors. A ×1 PCI Expressconnector has 36 pins, compared to the 120 pins on a standard PCIconnector.

PCI Express cards include ExpressCard modules, which currently have twodifferent module widths: 34 mm and 54 mm. ExpressCard modules can beplugged into an external ExpressCard slot in a portable computer or thelike, just as PC Cards are used today.

Referring to FIG. 10( a) again, the other end of the cable 510 mayconnect to an input port 508 in the port replicating apparatus 502,which may be a docking station or a port replicator. The input port 508may be an interface that is adapted for use with a switching, serial busarchitecture. A power supply 504 connection may be provided through a DCinput 506.

FIG. 10( b) shows a block diagram of some electrical components of thepreviously described port replicating apparatus. It may include aninterface such as a PCMCIA ExpressCard interface 242. The interface 242may correspond to the input port 508 shown in FIG. 10( a). The interface242 may be embodied by a male or female electrical connector, or even awireless interface.

The interface 242 is operatively coupled to a USB 2.0 hub 228. A numberof elements are coupled to the USB 2.0 hub 228. For example, USB ports224(a), 224(b), 224(c), 224(d), a U.S.B to Ethernet 10/100BT adapter234, an audio chip 216, as well as USB status LEDs 230, are operativelycoupled by the USB hub 228. An Ethernet 10/100 connector 232 is coupledto the USB to Ethernet 10/100BT adapter 234. A microphone port 218 and astereo output/headset connector 220 are operatively coupled to the audiochip 216.

As shown in FIG. 10( b), the interface 242 is also operatively coupledto a PCI Express to PCI 2.2 bridge 206. PCI Express 1× to PCI 2.2bridges are commercially available from Texas Instruments, Inc. A PCI2.2 to USB 2.0 bridge 204 is operatively coupled to the PCI Express 1×to USB 2.0 bridge 204. An exemplary PCI 2.2 to USB 2.0 bridge isembodied by a VIA 6212 chip, which is commercially available from ViaTechnologies. A USB 2.0 port 202 is operatively coupled to the PCI 2.2to USB 2.0 bridge 204.

Any of the USB 2.0 ports 224(a), 224(b), 224(c), 224(d) may beconsidered a first connection port. The USB 2.0 port 202 may beconsidered a second connection port. As shown, the USB 2.0 port 202 hasa connection path that is separate from the USB 2.0 ports 224(a),224(b), 224(c), 224(d) coupled to the USB 2.0 hub 228. Because thesecond USB 2.0 connection port 202 is separated from the hub 228, it canprovide for faster data transfer than any of the first USB 2.0connection ports 224(a), 224(b), 224(c), 224(d). The second USBconnection port 202 may therefore be connected to peripheral devicesthat need faster data transfer. Such peripheral devices include massstorage devices such as external hard disk drives. Peripheral devicesthat do not need higher data transfer rates may be connected to any ofthe first USB connection ports 224(a), 224(b), 224(c), 224(d). Suchperipheral devices may include mice, keyboards, etc. By providing forseparate USB ports with separate connections to the interface 242, thedata transfer to the various peripheral devices that are connected toconnectors in the port replicating apparatus can be optimized.

FIG. 10( a) also shows a graphics chip 240 (e.g., an XGI X9 graphicschip) that is coupled to the PCI Express 1× to PCI 2.2 Bridge 206. Amemory 208, a VGA (video graphics array) port 210, and a DVI transmitterchip 214 and DVI-I port are coupled to the graphics chip 240. (DVI-Istands for Digital Video Interface—Integrated and means that a DVIconnector that can transmit both analog and digital video data.) DVItransmitter chips are commercially available from various vendors suchas Silicon Image and Texas Instruments. Display devices such as VGAmonitors, LCD displays, etc. may be connected to the port replicatingapparatus via the VGA port 210 or the DVI-I port 212.

Other components such as an AC/DC power adapter 240 and a DC to DCconversion element 222 are also shown in FIG. 10( a). Port replicatingapparatuses including display control elements

A conventional port replicating apparatus can have a display connectedto an output connector and a host computer connected to an inputinterface. The user can control the display by manipulating the hostcomputer. For example, when using a Windows™ operating system, a usermay “right click” a mouse button to display a “properties” tab todisplay properties. The settings tab may then be selected using a datainput device such as a mouse, and the proper display can be selected.The screen resolution can be selected, and the option for extended modeor clone mode can be selected using the mouse. Although this process canbe used to control the display, it can be quite cumbersome and is notparticularly user friendly.

One embodiment of the invention that can address this problem isdirected to a port replicating apparatus including at least one inputelement that can allow a user to control a display connected to the portreplicating apparatus. This and other embodiments of the invention solvethe problem of using a host computer to control the display. Byinputting display control commands using input elements on a portreplicating apparatus, the user can configure display settings in a moreuser-friendly way.

In preferred embodiments, various input/output (I/O) commands or othercontrol commands can be provided through a set of input elements such asbuttons (keys) that are present on the port replicating apparatus. Forexample, there may be one or more toggle switches, buttons, etc. may beon the port replicating apparatus and may be manipulated to cause adisplay to be in an extended mode or a clone mode. A “clone mode” is amode whereby an image on the host computer screen or generated by thehost computer is displayed on the display that is connected to the portreplicating apparatus. An “extended mode” is a mode whereby an image isdivided between a screen (e.g., a laptop computer screen) associatedwith a host computer and another display connected to the portreplicating apparatus. When the display is in the clone mode, the bestsupported resolution of the display that meets the resolution of theprimary display associated with the host computer is selected and theresolution up and resolution down keys may be disabled.

Other input elements may by provided on the port replicating apparatus.Such input elements may include a “resolution up” button (or other typeof data input element), where the resolution increases to the nextavailable resolution supported by the attached display (or monitor), aswell as a “resolution down” button, which decreases the resolution tothe next available resolution supported by the attached display (ormonitor). Other input elements may include buttons or the like that canincrease or decrease tint, turn on a screen saver, etc. Availableresolutions can be provided through EDID (extended displayidentification data) information by the display. If this information isnot available, then standard VESA (Video Electronics StandardsAssociation) settings are considered.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram according to an embodiment of theinvention. Components of the block diagram shown in FIG. 11 may becombined with components in the block diagram shown in FIGS. 10( a)and/or 10(b), or any of the other port replicating apparatus featuresabove, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows an AC/DC power adapter 830 and a host computer such as apersonal computer 828 which may be connectable to input ports in ahousing of a port replicating apparatus (examples of which are shown inprior Figures). A display 860 may also be removably coupled to an outputport of the port replicating apparatus. The other components in FIG. 11may be present within or associated with a port replicating apparatus,as shown by the dividing lines P.

The personal computer 828 may be connected to a USB hub 802 in thehousing of the port replicating apparatus. The USB hub 802 may beconnected to a number of USB ports 816(a)-816(c) with corresponding USBport status LEDs 834 (or other display elements). When the USB ports816(a)-816(c) are used, the corresponding LEDs 834 light up. The USB hub802 may also be connected to a USB HID (USB Human Interface Design)module 822, which is operatively connected to other input elements(e.g., input output controls 820).

A connection status and LED control logic circuit 824 and acorresponding connection status LED 826 may also be coupled to the USBhub 802. A USB to VGA module 804 is also operatively coupled to the USBhub 802. The module 804 may be embodied by a commercially availablechip, which may include suitable hardware and/or software to convert USBsignals into VGA signals. Input elements (e.g., input/output controls806), an EEPROM 808 and an SDRAM 810 may also be operatively coupled tothe USB to VGA module 804. The EEPROM 808, the SDRAM 810, and any othermemory elements may be used to store data or configuration parametersthat allow the USB to VGA module 804 to convert data transferred throughthe USB interface to analog VGA electrical signals.

A video DAC (digital to analog controller) 812 and a VGA connector 814are also coupled to the USB to VGA module 804. The video DAC 812 mayconvert digital data signals into analog VGA electrical signals. Thesesignals may then be sent to the VGA connector 814, and then to thedisplay 860, which may be removably connected to the VGA connector 814.

An EDID SDA (serial data)/SCL (serial clock) communication line 855 isalso shown in FIG. 11 and allows the USB to VGA module 804 tocommunicate with the external display 860. Control and feedback signalsfor controlling the display 860 may be sent through the communicationline 855.

In FIG. 11, two sets of input elements (e.g., input/output controls 806,820) are shown. Both sets of input elements could be present in a singleport replicating apparatus or only one of the input elements may bepresent in the single port replicating apparatus. Either or both of theinput/output controls 806, 820 may be used to control the operation ofthe display 860.

To accomplish this, the personal computer 828 that is connected to theUSB hub 802 may comprise a software driver program for recognizing inputcontrol signals provided by the input/output controls 802 or theinput/output controls 820. In this regard, the personal computer 828 orother portable electronic device may comprise a computer readable mediumfor receiving input signals from the input elements and for causingcorresponding control signals to be sent to the display 860 to controlthe operation of the display 860. The computer readable medium may alsocomprise code for performing any of the functions described in thisapplication. In addition, although the computer readable medium is thisembodiment resides in the personal computer 828, it is understood that asimilar computer readable medium may be present in the port replicatingapparatus itself. Suitable computer readable media may store data in avolatile or non-volatile manner using any suitable electrical, optical,and/or magnetic data storage mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment of the invention, input signalscaused by manipulation of the input/output controls 806 may be sent tothe USB to VGA module 804, to the USB hub 802, and to the personalcomputer 828. Once these control signals are received by the personalcomputer 828, the software driver program may in turn cause the personalcomputer 828 to send video content to the display 860 via the USBinterface, USB hub 802, the USB to VGA module 812, and the VGA connector814 depending on the control signal received.

In another embodiment, input signals caused by manipulation of theinput/output controls 820 may be sent to the USB HID module 822, to theUSB Hub 802, and to the personal computer 828. Once the control signalsare received, the software driver program may in turn cause the personalcomputer 828 to send video content to the display 860 via the USB hub802, the USB to VGA module 812, and the VGA connector 814 depending onthe control signal received.

FIG. 12( a) shows a front view of input elements 904(a)-904(c) in theform of buttons on a port replicating apparatus 900. LEDs 902(a)-902(c)are associated with input elements 904(a)-904(c). Input element 904(a)is a button which can be selected to put a display coupled to the portreplicating apparatus 900 in a clone mode. Input element 904(b) is abutton which can be selected to put a display coupled to the portreplicating apparatus in an extended mode. Input element 904(c) is abutton which can be selected to put a display coupled to the portreplicating apparatus in an on or off mode. When the appropriate inputelements 904(a)-904(c) are activated, the appropriate LEDs 902(a)-902(c)may light up to show the user which mode is currently active.

FIG. 12( b) shows a front view of a single input element 914 in the formof a button on another port replicating apparatus 900 embodiment. Inthis example, there are three LEDs 912(a)-912(c) associated with thesingle input element 914. The input element 914 may be selected once toput the display in a clone mode, twice to put the display in an extendedmode, and three times to turn the display off. Corresponding LEDs912(a)-912(c) will light up when the port replicating apparatus 900 isin the correct mode.

As noted above, although input elements for putting a display in a clonemode, extended mode and off state are shown in FIGS. 12( a)-12(b), othertypes of input elements may put a display in another mode. For example,other types of input elements may decrease or increase the resolution orbrightness of a display, change the tint of the display, cause thedisplay to be in a picture in a picture mode, etc.

FIGS. 13( a)-13(c) respectively show display images corresponding to thefollowing display modes: clone; extended; and external monitor off.These images may be displayed on a portable computer display screen toindicate the mode of an external display attached to the portreplicating apparatus.

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of display images that can be displayedafter a button pressed. At 920, a button is pressed once and the imagewith “1” and “2” to indicate an extended mode is displayed on thedisplay screen of a main computer attached to a port replicatingapparatus. At 922, the button is again pushed and the image with “1” and“1” to indicate a clone mode is displayed on the display screen. At 923,the button is pushed and held for a predetermined amount of time (e.g.,3 seconds) to turn off the external display attached to the portreplicating apparatus. This is represented as an image “1” and “X” onthe display of the main computer display screen. The extended buttonhold time is designed so that the user can quickly switch between cloneand extended modes by pushing the button briefly. To turn off theexternal display, the user would need to push and hold the button downfor a longer period of time.

At 924, pushing the button again will turn on the external display andwill put the external display in a clone mode. At 926, the button ispushed again, and the external display is in an extended mode. Thebutton is pushed yet again for a predetermined amount of time at 928,and the external monitor is turned off. Last, at 980, the button ispushed again and the external monitor is put into an extended mode.

Software for performing the functions shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and in anyother portion of this application can be embodied by computer code whichis stored in a computer readable medium such as a memory chip. Suchsoftware can be created by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Any recitation of “a”, “an”, and “the” is intended to mean one or moreunless specifically indicated to the contrary.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention inthe use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of thefeatures shown and described, it being recognized that variousmodifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

Moreover, one or more features of one or more embodiments of theinvention may be combined with one or more features of other embodimentsof the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A docking assembly comprising: a port replicating apparatuscomprising (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by a firstterminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least one interface inthe housing for connecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) aplurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality ofperipheral devices; and a base capable of mechanically coupling to atleast the first terminal end of the housing of the port replicatingapparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing is verticallyoriented.
 2. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein the first terminalend includes a female connector and the base includes a male connector.3. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein the first terminal endincludes a first physical connector for connecting to the base andwherein the port replicating apparatus comprises a second physicalconnector for connecting the port replicating apparatus to a platform,wherein the major dimension is horizontally oriented when the portreplicating apparatus is attached to the platform.
 4. The dockingassembly of claim 1 wherein the port replicating apparatus comprises aremovable foot, wherein the removable foot lies flat against a surfaceof the housing in a first position, and wherein the removable foot propsa lateral end of the housing up so that an upper surface of the housingforms an angle with a surface upon which the port replicating apparatusis disposed.
 5. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofconnectors includes at least two connectors with different physicalconfigurations.
 6. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein the portreplicating apparatus comprises a video graphics chip.
 7. The dockingassembly of claim 1 wherein the port replicating apparatus comprises aPCI Express to PCI bridge coupling the interface and at least one of theconnectors.
 8. The docking assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofconnectors includes at least one universal serial bus port.
 9. A methodof using the docking assembly of claim 1 comprising: obtaining the portreplicating apparatus; and placing the port replicating apparatus on thebase such that the major dimension is vertically oriented.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising: connecting the portable electronicdevice to the interface; and connecting peripheral devices to theconnectors. 11-15. (canceled)
 16. A system comprising: the portreplicating apparatus of claim 1; a portable computer comprising a cardslot; a card disposed in the card slot; and a cable connecting theinterface in the port replicating apparatus and the card.
 17. The systemof claim 16 wherein the card is a PCI Express card.
 18. The system ofclaim 17 further comprising a mass storage device connected to the firstconnector.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein at least one of theconnectors is a video connector, and wherein the system includes a videoterminal connected to the video connector.
 20. The system of claim 18wherein the port replicating apparatus further comprises a universalserial bus to Ethernet adapter coupled to the interface.
 21. A portreplicating apparatus comprising: a housing having a major dimensiondefined by a first terminal end and a second terminal end; at least oneinterface in the housing for connecting to a portable electronic device;a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a pluralityof peripheral devices, wherein at least one of The peripheral devicescomprises a display device; and at least one input element on thehousing of the port replicating apparatus, wherein the at least oneinput element controls the operation of the display device.
 22. The portreplicating apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at least one input elementcomprises at least one button.
 23. The port replicating apparatus ofclaim 21 wherein the at least one input element causes the displaydevice to operate in a clone mode, an extended mode, or an off mode. 24.A system comprising: the port replicating apparatus of claim 21; thedisplay device operatively connected to a connector in the plurality ofconnectors; and the portable electronic device operatively connected tothe at least one interface.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein theportable electronic device comprises a laptop computer.
 26. The systemof claim 25 wherein the portable electronic device comprises a computerreadable medium comprising code for causing the at least one inputelement to control the operation of the display device.
 27. A methodcomprising: obtaining a port replicating apparatus comprising (i) ahousing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and asecond terminal end, (ii) at least one interface in the housing forconnecting to a portable electronic device, (iii) a plurality ofconnectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheraldevices, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices comprises a displaydevice, and, (iv) at least one input element on the housing of the portreplicating apparatus, wherein the at least one input element controlsthe operation of the display device; attaching the portable electronicdevice to the port replicating apparatus; attaching the display deviceto at least one connector in the port replicating apparatus; andmanipulating the at least one input element on the port replicatingapparatus to control the operation of the display device.
 28. The methodof claim 27 wherein the portable electronic device is a laptop computer.29. The method of claim 27 wherein manipulating the at least one inputelement on the port replicating apparatus to control the operation ofthe display device causes the display device to operate in a clone mode.30. The method of claim 27 manipulating the at least one input elementon the port replicating apparatus to control the operation of thedisplay device causes the display device to operate in an extended mode.31. The port replicating apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at least oneinterface comprises a wireless interface.